You are here

Philippines' Duterte orders free state college education

Fri, Aug 04, 2017 - 9:31 PM

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law making education at all state universities free, a palace official said Friday, despite warnings from his economic advisors that the Philippines cannot afford it.

PHOTO: EPA

[MANILA] President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law making education at all state universities free, a palace official said Friday, despite warnings from his economic advisors that the Philippines cannot afford it.

Mr Duterte, who is known for his populist leanings, believes the long-term benefits of the measure outweigh the short-term budgetary challenges, said deputy presidential executive secretary Menardo Guevarra.

"Free tertiary education in state universities and colleges is a very strong pillar or cornerstone of the president's social development policy," he told reporters.

The bill, signed late Thursday, will spare all students at government-run colleges and universities from paying tuition and other fees, he added.